hey out there, I've been doing a lot of research and reading on the field of game design and so far have a pretty strong grasp on the making of a Game Design Document. As I'm aware that they vary widely depending on genre and that everyone does their's differently, I'm currently looking for some examples online. One's that I have been able to find, are old (by old I mean "Doom") and was hoping to find one fairly recent (2000 and above). I'd think that they wouldn’t be too hard to come by seeing as how once a game is out on the market, the document is no longer confidential (though I guess that’s really up to them to decide). The only theory’s I have to go on is either a document can be over 500 pages and would be too much of a hassle to post, or they still consider it private/confidentail. If anyone has any insight on the question of why they aren’t easier to find or has any links to fairly recent design documents, please post!

There's a sample linked in this thread, assuming the link is not dead.

Such documents -- whatever forms they may take -- are rarely released because the information contained in them is still confidential (might include plans for sequel, etc) or they are not suitable for public consumption (not polished, etc). Plus, there is no benefit to anybody in releasing them. The developer gains nothing, and they're not necessarily great educational tools since, as you noted, the only correct way to write a design document is to write it in the form and fashion that makes sense for a particular project... there are very few rules or standards.

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Original post by jpetrie Plus, there is no benefit to anybody in releasing them. The developer gains nothing, and they're not necessarily great educational tools since, as you noted, the only correct way to write a design document is to write it in the form and fashion that makes sense for a particular project... there are very few rules or standards.

True, never thought too much on that.

thanks for your reply